Site-Selective Functionalized PD-1 Mutant for a Modular Immunological Activity against Cancer Cells

Biomacromolecules. 2023 Nov 13;24(11):5428-5437. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00893. Epub 2023 Oct 30.

Abstract

Targeting immune checkpoints is a well-established strategy in cancer therapy, and antibodies blocking PD-1/PD-L1 interactions to restore the immunological activity against cancer cells have been clinically validated. High-affinity mutants of the PD-1 ectodomain have recently been proposed as an alternative to antibodies to target PD-L1 on cancer cells, shedding new light on this research area. In this dynamic scenario, the PD-1 mutant, here reported, largely expands the chemical space of nonantibody and nonsmall-molecule inhibitor therapeutics that can be used to target cancer cells overexpressing PD-L1 receptors. The polyethylene glycol moieties and the immune response-stimulating carbohydrates, used as site-selective tags, represent the proof of concept for future applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies
  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor* / chemistry
  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor* / genetics

Substances

  • Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor
  • B7-H1 Antigen
  • Antibodies